WTO Ruling Prompts China to Drop Rare Earths Export Quota

China on Wednesday told the World Trade Organization that it had scrapped a quota system limiting exports of rare earth minerals after complaints by the U.S., EU and Japan.

China told WTO members that it had taken measures on Jan. 1 and May 1 after losing a WTO case in 2014. It had been given time until May 2 to implement the changes.

The restrictions were imposed in 2011 as China tried to develop its own industry for 17 metals such as tungsten, which are vital for the manufacture of many high technology products, including cellphones, batteries for hybrid cars and wind turbines. Click here to read more.